This kind of neglect is criminal. Poor Jason didn’t deserve this but his life will be great now!

This is Jason who was chained up and abandoned at a vacated property, in the dirt with no food, water, or human contact for weeks until he became the skeleton you see in these photographs. I apologize that these are hard to look at but I think it’s very important that Jason’s pictures are shown as he has no voice but these photographs certainly tell his story. See a video of him when he was first rescued.

This is a photo of when Jason was found on his chain. I have seen animals with eyes like those before and they me he is very close to death. Jason was saved just in time.

The knowing and willing abandonment of a living animal (and who knows what he endured before) that led to this kind of physical condition is certainly a criminal offense. It is impossible to imagine what Jason felt as he withered away to this frail state and although his body shows the scars, his spirit is far from broken. He is still a very loving, affectionate dog, incredibly loyal, and that’s why I love animals!

Fortunately for Jason he was taken in by local animal rescue group Sophie’s Circle Dog Rescue who rushed him straight to the vet’s office as he was close to death. He was put on subcutaneous (under the skin) fluids, started a special diet and will be introduced to regular dog food very slowly under veterinary direction of Dr. Terri Rosado at Flagler Integrative Veterinary Center.

Jason looks very much like a cute pit mix and weighed in at only 27 pounds last week when he was rescued, and I would estimate he should be at least 15-20 pounds more than that! Even though he needed a bath and his nails cut as well, these things were staggered due to his fragile state. Sadly Jason is heartworm positive which is yet another avoidable consequence he has to endure due to the neglectful life he has led so far.

The abuse is all behind Jason now though and once he is stable he will start heartworm treatment. He is currently recovering in the most amazing foster home in Port Orange with a local animal advocate and experienced dog foster, Mona and her dog Thomas. Jason is sleeping on a soft bed, starting to play with toys, and doesn’t leave his foster mom’s side. He is finally able to be a REAL dog again although the road to recovery will be a long and slow one.

A special orthopedic dog bed so that his little bones don’t hurt his skin. Sweet dreams Jason, your nightmares are behind you.

When Sophie’s Circle Dog Rescue were approached about Jason they were told that he had no hope unless they took him and would probably be euthanized. It is tragic to think that this animal fought so hard to cling onto life and that finally after being taken off of that chain, he would face death once more. However, Kathy Blackman, founder of Sophie’s Circle knew that was NOT an option for this sweet dog and so his future is now very bright and he has lots of fans following his story.

When Jason is well enough to go to the dog beach I will be sure to be there to capture the moment! Follow Sophie’s Circle Dog Rescue on Facebook or visit their website at www.sophiescircle.org to stay up to date on Jason and all the other animals they help. You may also want to adopt a pet, or even make a donation towards this great charitable cause!